UPDATE: So, your gonna be in the bayou’s on a boat fishing for Reds and Trout.

Here are a couple great Spinning reel suggestions that should last you many years and are relatively inexpensive. I’ve also added an inexpensive yet durable rod. Please read the “real world” reviews of each:

Spool your reel with Power Pro 6/20 Braided line and use a 14-17LB Berkely Big Game (“green”) Mono line as a leader.

Power Pro has the diameter of 6LB Mono with the breaking strength of TWENTY LB Mono. Braid is very limp making for easier casting, (esp with heavier lures and bait) and has no stretch making for rock solid hooksets and better “strike sensing” capabilities.